Additive manufacturing is a key technology in the digitalization of production technology. No other manufacturing process enables such a stringent and direct path from the digital CAD model to the physical component. Moulds and tools are no longer required, meaning that additive manufacturing can be used to react flexibly and quickly to changes and enable the economical individualization of mass products. In addition, additive manufacturing opens up previously unknown possibilities for topology optimization and functional integration through the layer-by-layer production of components.

On the research side, the iwb employees are involved in the processing of metallic materials. The process portfolio mainly includes the powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) and the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The equipment at the iwb is completed by innovative in-house systems and systems for processing plastics. The latter are mainly used in teaching or in the production of prototypes. The methodological core competencies of the Additive Manufacturing department include process development, process simulation on various scales and process monitoring. In addition to this, there is expertise in the area of machining post-processing of additively manufactured components, which has been built up together with the Machine Tools department.

Head of Department: Felix Riegger